Synergy Flavors Inc., Wauconda, Ill., said it reinforced its position as an industry leader in corporate social responsibility with the recent completion of a sustainable expansion project at its U.S. headquarters and Innovation Center. The new addition, which is a two-story 38,000-square-foot office building along with remodeled existing facilities, embodies the company’s all-encompassing approach to sustainability.

The company said both local community leaders and board members of Synergy Flavors’ parent company, Ballineen, Ireland-based Carbery, attended its ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of what we do, and our expanded campus highlights two key aspects of that,” said Rod Sowders, president and CEO, Synergy Flavors. “First, bringing to life our vision to create a mutually beneficial environment for all those involved and second, focusing on the environment, which was accomplished through our LEED (Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design) Gold certification on the project.”

Energy-efficiency was a top priority, Synergy Flavors said, and was achieved by making careful material and equipment choices while adhering to strict operational guidelines and procedures. Other environmentally friendly initiatives included the installation of solar panels on the roof as an on-site source of renewable energy; the use of native prairie-style species in the landscaping to eliminate the need for permanent irrigation; and the addition of bike racks and fuel-efficient preferred parking spaces.

Synergy Flavors said one of the main drivers behind the updates and renovations to the existing facilities was to promote a positive corporate culture and to improve team members’ work environment. The company enhanced the overall campus experience by adding amenities such as a new entrance plaza, an outdoor patio, an expanded the fitness center and a new café. This phase of the project also included the addition of a new sensory training room and the renovation and expansion of the quality control lab.